John Dennehy
Question:484 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the status of his proposal to levy a charge for the provision of plastic bags to consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26038/01]
Written Answers. - Plastic Bags Levy.
Draft regulations to introduce a levy on plastic shopping bags were released for public consultation in September. These propose that the levy to be charged at 15 cent per bag with effect from 4 February 2002, will apply to all plastic bags suitable for use by customers at the point of sale in retail outlets subject to certain specified exemptions, for example, smaller bags used for non-packaged fresh food products.
A number of submissions regarding the draft regulations have been received and these are currently being evaluated. It is intended to make final regulations giving effect to the levy by the end of the month.